Why not your J.D. and M.P.A.? Or, a J.D. and M.A. in International Relations?

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University

The highly respected Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University offers College of Law students the ability to pursue joint degrees in the professional fields of public administration/policy (M.P.A) and international affairs (M.A. International Relations). Promising young professionals with a concern for issues at the intersection of law and policy in the domestic and international arenas will benefit from exposure to the public management and policy analysis skills sets available within both of these joint degree programs. Joint Maxwell and Syracuse Law graduates often seek legal positions within all levels of government, international organizations, public sector consulting and a variety of related public sector organizations and law firms that deal with the critical policy, management and legal dilemmas facing our society.

Here's what you'll study

Since its establishment in 1924, the Maxwell School and its distinguished faculty have greatly influenced the growth and development of public administration, policy and international affairs. More than 8,000 Maxwell School alumni worldwide work in all levels of government, nonprofit agencies, private firms and colleges and universities.

The Maxwell School’s M.P.A. program, consistently ranked #1 in US News and World Report, is chiefly focused on a balanced and transferable skill set in public management and policy analysis. The M.P.A. is suitable for a career in public, nonprofit and related private sectors and versatile enough to serve an entire career, whether domestic or international. A unique interdisciplinary approach will help students understand the political, economic and social context of public administration, as well as learn the skills necessary for effective management and decision making in the policy world.

The M.A. International Relations degree, also highly ranked in its field by Foreign Affairs, provides students with a deep understanding of the world and regional affairs necessary for the global workplace and draws on the Maxwell Schools expertise in public affairs and cutting edge applied social science research. Concentrations include: International Economics, Finance and Trade; Democracy, Development and Humanitarian Assistance; Governance, Diplomacy and International Organizations and Peace, Security and Conflict. Competency in a second language is critical for a career in the international arena, and required for application to the M.A. International Relations program.

You may obtain the J.D. and M.P.A. or the J.D. and MAIR in three years instead of the four necessary to earn both degrees independently.

Here's what you need to know

Syracuse Law is the primary school for students enrolled in a joint degree program at Syracuse University. For a joint degree in Public Administration, you will earn 72 law credits plus 25 approved M.P.A. credits. For International Relations, the credits required are 72 law credits plus 28 approved Maxwell School credits. Most joint degree programs may be completed in three years (six semesters) and, potentially, one summer. In all cases, both programs must be completed within four years.

Students seeking dual degrees must apply to both programs separately, and admission to Syracuse Law does not guarantee admission to other graduate programs. Students are required to complete their first year of study at Syracuse Law and candidates for joint degree programs must obtain advance approval from Syracuse Law. The specific number of credits required for non-law graduate programs may vary depending on each student’s previous academic background in the subject area.

In addition, joint degree students are charged Syracuse Law tuition rates only, essentially offering the opportunity to earn two advanced degrees for the price of one.

Here's where you'll spend a lot of your time

There are significant advantages to tackling your law degree in an environment that’s integrated with a major university. Here are some of the places you’ll be spending your time as you pursue your studies. In your spare time? Well, there’s plenty of excitement to find here as well.

Syracuse University College of Law: A rich tradition in law and interdisciplinary legal studies.

Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse: A national leader in public affairs, political science and international relations.

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Here's what our students are saying

“I chose Syracuse for multiple reasons, but the primary reason is Syracuse University College of Law has an outstanding reputation amongst legal professionals. Likewise, I plan to work in D.C. after graduation, so I was drawn to Syracuse’s national reputation and strong alumni network. And my passion and academic interests passion are very specific: international relations, international human rights law and maritime law. Between Syracuse Law and the Maxwell School, I have endless opportunities and resources to pursue my interests. I did not know this before attending Syracuse Law, but the faculty and staff are the most talented, incredible and supportive people. They are truly invested in our success personally and professionally. I feel fortunate to be a student here.”

“The professional world is constantly evolving and becoming more dynamic and thus it demands more from us as young professionals as we venture out to start our careers. The J.D./M.P.A. joint degree program at Syracuse not only gave me a premier educational experience, but it gave me that needed competitive edge by cross pollinating my legal education with the best Public Administration program in the country. No other law school can offer that. The professors at Syracuse Law and the Maxwell School exceeded my expectations with their breadth of experiences and command of their particular niche of academia. Meanwhile, the two academic experiences complemented each other by developing two analytical skill sets that in turn increased my overall understanding of the interaction between law and policy.

The program has opened the doors for professional advancement in any field of public service and prepared me to excel both in the military and the civilian sectors. Beyond the academics, the friendships and bonds I developed with classmates will prove to be the most beneficial as we are now colleagues in a multitude of career fields spread across the world. I can reach out to that network and tap into the expertise of my colleagues. The interdisciplinary education makes that possible.”